High Street

Thanks Tricia, nice to know I have not lost the plot yet. I was only very young when being in a wedding party we went in there.

Imperial War Museum image. Catalogue no. D 18092

Another IWMuseum image, High Street. Cat no. H 5598

It always amazes me how Martins Bank came out of all that reasonably intact when all around it buildings were destroyed.

Only to be demolished to make way for that awful Cathedral Lanes which stands out like a sore thumb.

It was officially known as the Glass and Candle from 1963 to 1999 but I can't remember anyone ever calling it that?

Pretty sure Waters was not around up to 1999. In fact I cannot really remember it at all coming out of the 80's.

Any info by directories, photos etc. on where R Gilbert, High Street, premises were (in addition to their Broadgate and Burges shops)?

Unfortunately Osmiroid his adverts in the newspapers does not give a number. All it says is that he moved out of High Street 23rd March 1918 due to his lease expiring.

Here's something from the archives. Coventry Evening Telegraph 20th August 1957 Death of a Coventry Jeweller. Mr Arthur Gilbert, one of the principles of R. Gilbert & Sons Ltd., the Coventry jewellers, with premises in the Burges, has died in a Coventry nursing home at the age of 85. Mr Gilbert whose home was at 12 St Patrick's Road Coventry was the fourth son of the firm's founder, the late Mr R. Gilbert, who started the business with a shop in Dalton-in-Furness in 1861. Only one son now remains - Mr. Oliver Gilbert aged 87 who is still an active member of the firm. Active Interest. Mr Arthur Gilbert started his career as a jeweller when still a boy. He served an apprenticeship under his father and was manager of one of the northern shops before he came to Coventry in the early part of this century. He retained an active interest in the business until he was taken ill a few months ago. He was Secretary of the firm up to the time of his death. Mr Gilbert was a member of the Stoneleigh Lodge of Freemasons. The funeral service will be at Holy Trinity Church on Thursday afternoon, and internment will follow in the Stoke churchyard.

Anne and Heathite, Some nice bits of info thanks.

Spennells 1912-13

Excellent I wonder if 7 1/2 still exists? If half numbers are allowed nowadays? Some other well known names, Kimberley and Hiltons.

6 and 7 was the double gabled half timbered building next to the bank (or next door but one to the corner of Hay Lane). There are a few photos showing the shoe shop signs. Not sure where 7.5 was. Upstairs or round the back?

Welton's the chemists were still in the High Street in 1961. It was a very narrow shop. I used to collect their films for processing.